World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on governments to
take steps to prevent the 270,000 pedestrian fatalities that occur each year
around the world. Incidents involving pedestrians account for 22% of road traffic
deaths, and according to WHO officials, over 5,000 pedestrians are killed each
week worldwide.
WHO and partners have produced Pedestrian Safety: A Road Safety Manual for Decision-Makers andPractitioners to promote the following measures:
- Adopt New Laws and Enforce Existing Ones. These laws include ones meant to reduce speeding, drinking and driving, cell phone use while driving and other forms of distracted driving.
- Install Infrastructure to Protect Pedestrians. This refers to providing sidewalks, crosswalks, overpasses, underpasses, refuge islands and raised medians to pedestrians as well as placing speed bumps, rumble strips and chicanes on roadways to slow cars and improving lighting along roads.
- Create Pedestrian Zones in City Centers. This can be accomplished by restricting vehicular access.
- Improve Mass Transit Route Design.
- Develop and Enforce Vehicle Design Standards for Pedestrian Protection. Soft vehicle fronts are one example.
- Organize and/or Enhance Trauma Care Systems. This will guarantee prompt treatment for those with life-threatening injuries.
